Did I Meet My Online Writing Goals?

Goal #1: The Goal to Make Money Through Online Writing

My attraction to writing online was the passive income aspect of writing. While different people have different concepts of passive income and what it means to them, to me passive income means ongoing income. It is income that I receive for doing something once and that effort allows money to flow into my bank account without further or significant effort from me.

Three years ago, I was new to online writing. I had visions of making loads of money. I reasoned, “It’s the internet!” With the vast number of people on the internet, I imagined millions of people reading my work. I imagined multiple millions of dollars pouring into my bank account. I was naïve back then. I have come to my senses and now my expectations are more realistic.

Sure, millions of people could read my work, but millions of people have not read my work and so I have not amassed a fortune for my efforts. I’ve learned there is more to making money with writing than sitting at the computer, writing, and then expecting people to read what I wrote.

Over the past three years, I have written for several different online platforms. All of them provided valuable experience. Some had a higher pay structure than others and I was able to generate income from all of them. But, writing for some of these platforms was not worth the time and effort because, at most, I only made a few pennies at one place or a few dollars at another.

In the online writing world, writers have many opportunities. We can write for ourselves, we can write for magazines. We can create content for corporations, content mills, and revenue sharing publishing platforms. There are any number of places a writer can write.

HubPages is a revenue sharing online writing platform. I became attracted to HubPages because of their revenue sharing structure and their marketing efforts seemed to be more extensive than others. I generated more income through HubPages than with all the other online writing platforms combined. I decided to place the majority of my writing efforts (hubs) into writing at the HubPages platform.

Money is Not My Only Motivator

In case I am leaving the wrong impression, let me quickly share that money is not the only thing that motivates me in life. I enjoy writing, but I also enjoy being able to pay bills. Currently, I don't have the luxury of living a life of total financial freedom, however if I can make money writing, that beats going to a 9 to 5 job every day. If I could write just for the fun of it, I'd write just for the fun of it. But, with the utility bill and the garbage man wanting to get paid, I guess I'll have to write for money. Such is life for this old girl.

To answer the question: Yes! I have met Goal #1 by making money through passive income online.

I am not a believer in sharing personal finances with the public, so I’ll keep the amount private, but because “pay out” establishes a minimum amount to receive money, I will admit to receiving at least the minimum pay out on a regular basis.

As long as I keep writing and keeping my publications current, readership continues to rise and the income is ongoing. I'm not "rolling in the dough," but it is enough to keep me going.

NOTE:

I don’t want to come off sounding like I am one of those writing snobs who is overly critical of other people’s writing ability. Contrarily, I understand that neither I nor anyone is perfect. We all enter this writing world with different talents and purposes for writing. Some people just want to write, and who can blame them. Writing is one of those activities that, for many can be extraordinarily cathartic. For that purpose, spelling and grammar don’t come into play. And, that’s alright… for them. But, my purpose for writing is different. I want to learn how to write better. I know that I will not become a better writer if I read poorly written content on a regular basis, especially if my goal is to become a better writer. There are some writers who take offense to this, but I mean no disrespect to them. I encourage anyone who wants to write to write.

Goal #2: The Goal to Become a Better Writer

When I started writing online, I had a desire to become a better writer. I learned a long time ago that if I hang out with people who are well-crafted, then I am likely to pick up some of their habits. I want to make connections with good writers from whom I can glean some of their experience. Because of my goal to learn from other writers, when I read for learning, I select from publications that I feel are well-written. By paying attention to the techniques of other writers I feel I have learned to become a better writer than I was when I first started writing online.

Surely, I desire my content to be valuable to readers, but as you will hear in the video at the end of this publication, it is impossible to measure what people think or feel, so it would not make sense to set goals based on the opinions of others.

So, again to answer the question: Yes! I have met Goal #2 by making connections with established writers who help me become a better writer.

Writing Poll

Do You Have Writing Goals?

Writing is a personal endeavor.

I write for my reasons and I encourage others to write for their reasons. Write for the sake of writing. Just understand that if you want to become a better writer, a good strategy would be to read the work of writers who you consider are better writers than you.

There are a number of excellent writers at online writing platforms. There are far too many to mention by name. I read online content every day. With my morning coffee, I start off the day looking for content written by specific writers who are excellent writers with uplifting messages and tips that help me start my day on a positive note.

NOTE:

When I first started writing online I was grateful when other writers helped me with typos and grammatical errors. I’m still grateful to writers who offer their expertise. I was under the mistaken impression that other writers felt the same way. So, whenever I spotted a typo or gross grammatical error, I offered my expertise (privately, of course). While almost everyone was grateful, there were a couple of writers who took offense. As one writer responded, “How dare you correct my spelling? I don’t care about grammar or spelling. I just write to write!” Alright, I conceded. My intention was not to harm or disrespect the writer. I just thought I was being helpful. Nevertheless, I learned a valuable lesson. Not every writer wants to write to get better. Some writers just want to write to write.

The Online Writer Lifestyle

Throughout the day, I respond to comments from people who read my publications and always, if someone reads a publication of mine, I read a publication of theirs. In this instance (when I am reciprocating a reading), I am less concerned about the style or quality. I read your publications because you read my publications. I am very non-judgmental. I don't criticize grammar or style. I have learned to appreciate all writers, no matter what stage the writer is in the journey of writing.

"Just because you take the lumps out of the gravy, doesn't mean the gravy tastes good." M. C. Bertrand

I have read content that was error-free, nevertheless boring. Likewise, I have read content that was riddled with errors, yet it was still a delight to read.

When I reciprocate a reading (unlike when I read to learn how to write), I don't read to critique the writer or their content. I read for pure enjoyment. No matter what the subject matter, reading is fun and I thoroughly enjoy the publications I read.

Learning Center

Visit the Learning Center to read content to help you navigate through HubPages more easily.

Take Time to Learn

Each writing platform has a general online training center showing how you can earn money. There is generally an excellent community of writers who enjoy helping you. For instance, at HubPages (my preferred online writing platform), the best place to find the information you need is to visit the Learning Center on a regular basis. When I first started writing at HubPages, I read through the entire content of the Learning Center. I want to write better content and be a better community participant, so I read through the Learning Center on a regular basis.

All Writers Are Welcome

The good thing about most online writing platforms is that all writers are welcome. Whatever your goals for writing, there is an opportunity to accomplish them just about anywhere you choose. There are absolutely zero guarantees to most writing endeavors. My experience is that if you put in the effort, your chances are better, that you will succeed, than if you don’t try it at all.

So, set some writing goals and then work toward them. Your goals can be simple and general like mine. That’s alright. A goal is a goal. It’s your goal and if you are happy with it, then go for it!

Set Your Writing Goals

The following video is produced by Writing Coach Teresa Funke who knows what it is like to be a writer desiring to set real, attainable goals.

The video is only 7:20 in length.

During the video you will hear Funke talk about how to self-motivate yourself and how to take control of your writing goals by setting writing goals which help you achieve your daily and monthly goals. I found this video to be very inspirational. In fact, I credit much of my goal setting accomplishments to the strategies outlined in this video titled, "Goal Setting for Writers" by Coach Teresa Funke.

Comments

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Author

Marlene Bertrand 11 months agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello tarhe. Thank you for reading and for your encouraging comment.

Imonikhe Ahimie 11 months agofrom Lagos, Nigeria

Interesting thoughts. Thanks and well done.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 2 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello bodylevive. I know what you mean... it's nothing to write home about. But, it's money that you can pick up off the table and buy something with it. So, it counts. It helps to be part of a writing community where we are comfortable. These are our friends and it is good to be in the company of them. Thank you so much for being part of our community here at HubPages.

BODYLEVIVE 2 years agofrom Alabama, USA

My writing started as a hobby and before I knew it I was making money. It wasn't enough to write home about but the fact remains, I was making money. I enjoy the platform I write for and have made many friends. The ones who miss you if you skip a day.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 2 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Cassie! Thank you for your positive words. They encourage me to keep going. And, yes, the Learning Center is a great place to learn how to maneuver around HubPages with ease.

Cassandra 2 years agofrom Geelong VIC Australia

Hi Marlene this is a very informative article, well written. I think I need to set myself some writing goals and perhaps read the Learning Center from front to back. cheers from Cassie

Author

Marlene Bertrand 2 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Yes Suzanne! I totally agree with you. Whatever a person decides - it can be made an exciting venture.

Suzanne Day 2 years agofrom Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

If you want to make money, you need to write well and write lots of hubs. Otherwise, you can have fun and explore and improve through a journey of self discovery. The choice is yours....but neither of them need to be boring ;)

Author

Marlene Bertrand 2 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi peachpurple. Some things, I do just for fun, but I write for money. The good news is that writing is fun. So, I get the best of both worlds. For sure, I'm not rolling in the dough, but a few dollars here and there have made a big difference in my life.

peachy 2 years agofrom Home Sweet Home

ditto here, i think most of us are writing for the sake of money unless someone is rich and have no friends....

Author

Marlene Bertrand 2 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi colorfulone. I'm a goal-setting fool. If I don't set goals, I get frustrated. Goals help me to pace myself. If I don't set goals, I have a tendency to overwork myself to the point of exhaustion. So, for example, if I say I want to write one hub a month and when I do that, then I have met my goal. Now, I can relax and wallow in the fact that I have accomplished what I set out to do.

Susie Lehto 2 years agofrom Minnesota

There is a learning curve on any of the sites I have written on. HubPages has helped me to become a better write, and the community of helpful people, too. I think the most important thing we can do as online writers, is to set goals for ourselves. I'm very glad for you, that you are achieving your earning goals on HP. I need to step it up.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello, somethgblue. Thank you for coming back to clarify your comment. I do have a lot of respect for you, especially after reading your viewpoint on some very important issues in life.

In the spirit of clarification, I want to state that I am not "rolling in the dough" with my writing career. I live a meager lifestyle and don't need much to survive. What I earn at HubPages, Google Ads, and such is enough to make me happy to be doing what I do for a living. Writing, narrating, and producing audiobooks is what I do all day and it is so much fun I can hardly call it a job.

Thank you for your compliment. Coming from a fabulous writer such as you, it means a lot.

somethgblue 3 years agofrom Shelbyville, Tennessee

I'm really sorry for coming across as a jerk, I had intended to write more and was being facetious but got distracted with a phone call and moved away from this article without finishing my thought. I had just got out of a meeting at work about harassment in the work place and sensitivity in emails and was feeling a little frisky, my apologies.

I too came to this site to make money but quickly recognized that my kind of articles wouldn't generate a lot of page views due to the nature of the content, most people are afraid of the truth or in denial and for the most part ignorance is bliss. However once you gain the knowledge you can't undo it, so why not share it and hope a seed gets planted that perhaps can blossom at a later date.

I think you are really good writer and I look forward to reading more of your work, I have not completely learned the lesson of knowing when to refrain pen and tongue (work in progress) however one must identify the character defects before correcting them.

You're right Hub Pages is a great forum for growing as a writer and is an inspiring community of good people, I've really enjoyed my time here and hope you do as well, enjoy the vacation!

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello somethgblue. You are under the impression that I said there was something wrong with writing for the pure joy of writing. I am sorry for giving you that impression. That was not my intension. In fact, I believe there is nothing wrong with writing for the sheer joy of writing. The title of this piece is, "I Joined an Online Writing Community to Write for Money." It's the truth. I have bills to pay. While I do enjoy writing and I do want the things I write to be useful and effective, I do not live the luxurious lifestyle of someone who can write for the pure joy of writing. I have utility bills, auto insurance, a mortgage, etc. and since I chose writing as my source of income to pay those bills, I had better be making money while I'm doing it. I don't think I came to the wrong place to write because the money I earned from HubPages just paid for tickets and a week-long vacation to southern California for the holidays this year. The money was sitting in my PayPal account, ready to be spent. I manage to pay bills and then some from the online articles that I write. I don't write what you would call "floo floo" articles. What I write is informative. My goal is to always be helpful in one way or another. Sure, I do find a little time to write for fun (blogs and stuff like that), but when I write for HubPages or some other online website, my intent is to write for money so that my bills get paid. It's icing on the cake when I can have a little extra fun with the money, too.

What ever happened to writing for the sheer pleasure of the mental exercise, creativity and freedom of expression? Money isn't everything, after all it won't buy you love, sex yes, but not love.

If you joined Hub Pages to make money, you sure came to the wrong site, unless your write floo-floo pieces such as recipes, how to knit sox and scarves or how to make pet toys.

All joking aside, the integrity of sharing knowledge with your fellow humans should be your greatest motivating factor anything else is just gravy.

Kappygirl 3 years ago

Hi Marlene, I just joined HubPages four days ago (although my profile says 5 years ago--they're working on that). I published my first hub two days ago and am looking forward to writing more. I just read the above article as well as Structure Great Content by Using Music Writing Techniques. Your articles are very informative, concise and structured very well. I hope to learn more from you and your experience!

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Melody. Well, I hope you are very successful in getting your books published, especially the one titled, "Whose Fault is it My Child is a Monster?" The title alone intrigues me.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello William Gerace. Like you, I stepped away from HubPages for a minute or so. I came back and saw things in a totally different light. I actually enjoy it more now than ever. Welcome back! I look forward to reading your hubs.

Melody 3 years ago

I found writing to be so inspiring, I haven't met my goals yet because one of my major goals is to get my two books publish and on the way so I can start on my next book call, "Whose Fault is it my child is a Monster?" I get inspiration from my writing. I get a lot of in sight to why I write.

William Gerace 3 years agofrom Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hi there Marlene. This is an excellent Hub. I have been away from Hubpages for a minute. You have encouraged me to come back. Thanks so much for this excellent Hub.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello m abdullah javed. I am really glad that you like it here at HubPages. There are a lot of positive people here. They make it worth the time you spend here.

muhammad abdullah javed 3 years ago

Hi Marlene, I have joined Hubpages couple months back, just trying to be a part of writing community, the other aspect being passive income factor, for both, your hub means a lot for me. Thanks.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

I'm glad I found you, too SusanDeppner. You have some really fun hubs to read and I look forward to reading them all.

Susan Deppner 3 years agofrom Arkansas USA

I love reading what other writers write, too, and moving here from Squidoo has provided a wonderful opportunity to find not only excellent writers but really, truly good people. Very glad I found you!

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Rajan. Your feedback is quite inspirational. Thank you very much. I do hope I was able to encourage writers to write, because I know that no matter where we start in this endeavor, the more we write, the better we become.

Some very useful tips and a hub that will not only inspire new writers to write but will set at rest fears they have which prevent them from starting to write.

True it takes time to get good at any craft and writing is no different but if you stick at it and read good writers then you have made a start towards becoming one.

Excellent hub and sharing this forward.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Exactly, Cesky! A penny here and a penny there... it all adds up over time.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi vkwok. Yes, I'm sticking around, as well. That's a good point about the audience. That's even more of a reason to stay. By the way, I really am enjoying your chapters.

Cecilia Karanja 3 years agofrom Nairobi

You are right. Different people write for different reasons. I started writing in my personal blog just to express myself but after a while I realized that a penny here and another one there could not hurt.

Victor W. Kwok 3 years agofrom Hawaii

One of the ups of Hubpages is having an audience to keep in mind as I continue to write the next chapter of my stories. I know where you've come from joining Hubpages. I've come not to expect to earn a lot, but I'm definitely sticking around.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi melody. Yes, I have passion in what I do. When I first started writing I was overly ambitious. Now, it has come down to enjoying my time writing, getting better at it, and hoping I am rewarded for it.

melodyj 3 years agofrom 1325 daja lane Grand Prairie, TX

Openly I heard a passion, a desire, and a drive to do what you love. I have tried to make money for what I write, but I guess my message is not what others want to hear. I still love to write and I am a poem writer, story writer, and novel write in many ways but yet I have not landed the right job to write and what to write.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

It's true, manatita44. We don't know the impact we have on others. For sure, you had a very positive impact on me and so when I returned to writing online, one of the first faces I looked for was yours. I am glad you are still here writing amazing hubs that stir the mind and soothes the soul. Your content is thought-provoking and that's what I remember about you.

manatita44 3 years agofrom london

Thank you, Marlene. I did miss you. We never know the impact that we have on each other. God bless your loving heart. Much peace.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Katya Drake. I am truly thrilled that I was able to answer some of your questions. My goal in writing this hub was to share my experience and hopefully help others understand some of the ups and downs associated with online writing.

Katya Drake 3 years agofrom Wisconsin

Hi MarleneB. I loved this hub! It is excellent! You answered some questions I had about online forums and which one I should focus on. Thank you so much for this article. I really appreciate your advice.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi Leilani Allmon. Thank you for your comment. I'm not making the kind of income where I could live a wealthy lifestyle, but the extra income helps pay a bill or two. It's worth it to keep plugging along. Plus, the most rewarding part about being at HubPages is the writing community. I have met some truly amazing people here.

Leilani Allmon 3 years ago

Interesting. Thank you for writing this. Personally, I haven't made much at HubPages, but I'm still kind of new. Perhaps it will take a while to get the kind of passive income that you are receiving.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello prasetio30. Thank you for your positive feedback and support. I wish you much success as well.

prasetio30 3 years agofrom malang-indonesia

Very inspiring hub. I have the same opinion with you about why I join Hubpages, beside I met a lot of good friends here. I try to come back and write more. Take care and success for you!

Prasetio

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello RonElFran. I have found that I have a more enjoyable reading experience when I simply read to read. I'm only critical when I'm reading to learn. Otherwise, I enjoy reading as much as possible. Although becoming a better writer is something I strive for, perfection is impossible to achieve. I'm not trying to stress myself out like that. Thank you so much for your feedback. It means a lot to me.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Marsha Musselman1. You bring up a very interesting point - spending the necessary time. Like you, I am not able to spend significant time in multiple places. At some point I had to decide where I wanted to spend my time. Bubblews is a fun place to write and the community is very interactive. We all have our own reasons for being where we are and as long as it is comfortable for us, I believe it will work for the reasons we have established for ourselves. Thank you so much for your positive feedback. I look forward to reading your work.

Ronald E Franklin 3 years agofrom Mechanicsburg, PA

Excellent point about reading writers you consider better than yourself in order to learn from them. I also like the idea of not reading the writings of colleagues with a critical eye concerning grammar, etc. Of course, just noticing the number of mistakes I overlook in my own writing ought to teach me that!

Marsha Musselman 3 years agofrom Michigan, USA

I began here hoping to make some money also, and even though I visited with other authors and wrote several hubs it took a while to get started. I know that is common for most sites, but a few months later I was introduced to bubblews. I am not able to be active enough in both places, so I've pretty much spent most of my time there rather than here.

I finally got my first payment from here a month or so ago. That took well over a year, which I wasn't surprised about since I wasn't spending the necessary time here to make it work for me better.

Maybe when I retire in three to four years I can be active on both sites.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Tashaonthetown. Yes it is difficult to make money online, especially since we are not in control of the source of income. Still, I'm going to continue to write because I really enjoy it and I hope one day I am pulling in the kind of money that makes it even more worthwhile than it already is.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Richard1988. Thank you for your positive feedback. Writing is fun. And, as you mentioned, setting realistic goals is very important. The key is that the goal should be realistic and attainable. Welcome to writing. I wish you well on this wonderful journey.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi DDE. I think writing is a challenge for most people. It certainly is for me. And, setting goals is what helps keep me going along a determined path.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello Barbara Kay. You are so kind. Thank you for your compliment and for wishing me well. It is a never ending journey to get better at anything we do in life.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello mary615. I "hear" you. I don't know what I would do if I could not write. It is one of those things that can truly soothe the soul. Thank you so much for your positive words and support.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello MPG Narratives. Thank you for your positive feedback. Like you, I learned that there are people who do not desire criticism. I learned to be OK with that. I'm on my own journey and that includes becoming better. I crave criticism because my goal is to get better and there is no way to get better unless I listen to other writers who know the ropes better than me. Through my interaction here, I learned to appreciate every writer for who they are, typos and all.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi Maggie42. Welcome to HubPages. You have joined a solid group of writers in this community. Mostly, people are helpful and a lot of fun to hang out with. I'm glad you found this hub helpful. I look forward to reading your hubs.

Natasha Pelati 3 years agofrom South Africa

I love writing and topics on things that interest me are what I usually write about. It is difficult to make money that could help you retire. Interesting and useful information that lets one think.

Richard 3 years agofrom Hampshire - England

I am just beginning to write online and am enjoying it immensely. This hub caught my eye and did not disappoint providing gentle encouragement for those starting out in the way of personal experiences. Setting realistic goals is one of the most important things for remaining positive on a new endevour and having read this hub will keep me plugging away. Thanks for sharing.

Devika Primić 3 years agofrom Dubrovnik, Croatia

Writing and earning online has been quite a challenge for me and I have come a long way. By reading your interesting thoughts on writing it has made me see writing from another perspective. Making goals are very important.

Barbara Badder 3 years agofrom USA

You have met your goal of becoming a good writer. The article is excellent. I'm wishing for you to make lots of money in the future.

Mary Hyatt 3 years agofrom Florida

My goal has never been to make a lot of money by writing; I leave that to the experts. I've never considered myself an excellent writer by any means. I have no "muse", I just write when I'm inspired to do so.

Voted this UP, etc. and shared.

Marie Giunta 3 years agofrom Sydney, Australia

I always enjoy reading how other writers go about their craft. We all work in different ways but basically have the same goals, especially that of hoping our work will one day pay the bills! As far as grammar, I have commented on hubs about spelling and grammar and was accused of being a 'grammar nazi' but isn't spelling and grammar part of learning to be a better writer? Anyway thanks for your thoughts on how to keep going with our writing goals and how we can all help each other. Voted up, useful and shared.

Maggie42 3 years ago

Thanks this was very helpful - I've just come over from Squidoo and am just doing a bit of exploring .trying to decide for myself what makes a good hub. It was interesting to read what others are thinking and how they are going.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello somethgblue. As you know, I'm not packing in the big bucks. But, I am happy enough to stay. Writing keeps me sane. I don't know what I would do if I could not write. Thank you for reading and for your positive feedback.

somethgblue 3 years agofrom Shelbyville, Tennessee

I just went past the three year mark here on Hub Pages and have only received about a quarter of million page views, granted I write about subjects, most sane writers wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole but hey to each his or her own.

I went into this with the same naïve intentions as yours and gave up earning anything significant about a year ago, (of course Google did kinda put the hammer down on HPs) now I write because I enjoy it and because it helps me too clarify my thoughts.

I really enjoyed your article, thanks for sharing!

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi Ericdierker. You are making me blush. Thank you for your compliment. By the way, as you know, you are one of my morning coffee writers.

Eric Dierker 3 years agofrom Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A.

Thank you Marlene for such a great piece, it is right in line with my thoughts on these matters, although I am a year or so behind you. You are very encouraging and one of those writers I read in order to get better at the craft.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

You are so kind, manatita44. Yes, that's me - that Christian girl. I'm glad that is the first impression you have of me. It's exactly what I want people to remember about me. And, may I say you are serving very well. I have been away from HubPages for a long time, but I'm back now and I have to say that I truly enjoy reading your hubs. They are very inspirational and rewarding. I become a little bit better for reading them.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello twoseven. Thank you for your kind feedback. Like many, I'm not making a ton of money online. I don't want to leave that impression on anyone. I do make money and that was my general goal. Since I'm not in control of how much I earn, I don't set the amount as a goal - just that I earn something. At the same time, I enjoy writing and reading so I also have a goal to read every day and learn from other writers.

manatita44 3 years agofrom london

Interesting article on writing goals and making money.

Yes, writers, especially poets, can be touchy about their writings. Equally, some can be too quick to correct. Because I can make mistakes, I assume others do, even though they are extremely good at grammar, and so I do not fuss unless I see quite a few mistakes and know the individual fairly well.

Me, I write to serve. I have always written to serve. I write books and take my time with them, like 18 months to five years, but I write here quite quickly without thinking. I use my heart and an intuitive feel. My purpose is to serve; to inspire. It is because of this that I occasionally tend to nudge a little. Love is the only motive.

So nice Hub, MarleneB, and God bless. Without looking you up, aren't you that nice Christian girl from long ago? Peace.

twoseven 3 years agofrom Madison, Wisconsin

I really appreciate your framework for thinking about online writing. I have struggled because I have other work that I can spend time on to generate much more reliable income, but at times when I don't have that work, I love the idea of making money through Hubpages, and the idea of passive income. It can be discouraging when it's not happening, but I think the other values you mention are key to keep us all going through the times we aren't making payout. A great reminder that I also do this because I love writing and love the community. Thank you!!

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hi MsDora. Yes, aside from the money, being part of the community is actually more valuable than the money. Generating income is necessary for me because I like to pay bills and if I can pay the bills with the money I make from writing, then life is much more fun. But, there is no doubt that I have met many extraordinary people through the writing community and that, more than the money, keeps me writing here.

Dora Weithers 3 years agofrom The Caribbean

Marlene, thanks for your encouragement and your suggestions. Of course, the passive income is a factor, but there's so many other personal aspects that are satisfied by being a part of a writing community. Best to you, going forward.

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Hello ChitrangadaSharan. Like you, I have learned a lot by writing here. I have met wonderful people and read extraordinary content here. Thank you so much for your feedback.

Chitrangada Sharan 3 years agofrom New Delhi, India

Interesting hub! Makes me think---I think I have learnt a lot by writing here. I have made some great friends and each writer has his or her own style and it definitely enriches me to go through others writings.

I have not made much money but that's O.K. I love expressing myself by writing and the appreciation by other writers is my reward, which is very satisfying.

Thanks for your useful suggestions!

Author

Marlene Bertrand 3 years agofrom Northern California, USA

Bill, you are one of my favorite writers here. I also enjoy reading your novels. Well, thank you for your compliment. I still have a lot to learn. In the meantime, I am grateful to you as well, for I have learned a lot from you.

Bill Holland 3 years agofrom Olympia, WA

It is always interesting to hear the thoughts of another writer. I really believe we can learn something from each writer we encounter if we are open and willing. I know I've learned from you, and for that I am grateful. Thank you, Marlene, and nice job on this. Excellent suggestions for those interested in making money and becoming a better writer.